Today there are approximately 80 Associates of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception in the Atlantic, Prairie and Pacific regions of Canada. From diverse backgrounds, they are women and men who bear the Charity charism and express it in their daily lives.
Charism can be described as an original and unique gift of the Holy Spirit -
SCIC and Associates are committed to prayer; spiritual growth; gatherings; celebration; compassionate presence and service, as well as initiatives for social and ecological justice.
After a period of inquiry, persons seeking to become SCIC Associates may choose to make and renew commitment. For more about SCIC association, please inquire: Tel. 506-
ANNIVERSARY OF SCIC, OCTOBER 21, 2024
During the past year Associates and some local Clergy, who worked closely with Sisters were invited to many of the celebrations the Sisters hosted in honour of their 170th Anniversary. We attended Mass which was held in Carmel Chapel followed by dinner. This was the opening of a 170 day “Pilgrimage of the Heart” to give thanks for 170 years among people of God across Canada and in Peru as was stated in invitation from the Sisters. It was a privilege for those of us who live in Saint John and surrounding areas to be there in person.
Thank you to Mary Beth McCurdy, SCIC and Zita Longobardi, Archivist, for their work and dedication in providing biographies of some of the Sisters which were emailed on a daily basis during the 170 days. These stories united us as we learned of the experiences of all of the Sisters whose stories were shared.
On the actual Anniversary Day which was October 21st the staff of Ruth Ross made up bagged lunches and. Sisters, Associates and friends gathered in the area where many of the homeless are and in the neighbourhood where the first Convent was located. These lunches, along with bottles of water were distributed by the Sisters and Associates to anyone in the uptown area who was in need of a lunch. We were pleased to have Agathe Joly, Linda Winski and Coby Veeken, Associates from Edmonton who were visiting, join us on this special day.
This act of providing a lunch was a witness to the mission of the Sisters’ charity to provide for the orphans and families in need in the community.
The final gathering took place on Sunday, December 8th which was the Feast Day of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. Associates were invited to the Ruth Ross Clubroom where this celebration began with prayer followed by dinner and social time.
BEING AN ASSOCIATE
by AGATHE JOLY – EDMONTON ASSOCIATE
Having the privilege of being in Saint John to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the congregation was very special to me.
To sit at the table with elderly sisters and witness their joy and happiness was something to behold!
Being an associate for 30 some years allowed me to feel a bit part of their celebration, remembering my commitment to live in the spirit of our Founders. In other words, I was immersed in charity and strongly called to renew my own passion to live out more than ever the charism of charity.
What a blessing it was to witness such love and faithfulness enrobed in charity and love for the poor and less fortunate in our communities. I will never forget and will always cherish the memory of having been blessed by such gratitude and love.
BECOMING AN ASSOCIATE
By Coby Veeken – Edmonton Associate
I became an Associate of the Sisters of SCIC because Sr. Fay Trombley invited me. She was my professor at Newman Theological College (Edmonton) where I was a student in the 1980s. I was intrigued, and appreciated the Sisters I knew Sr. Sandra Barrett who was the Registrar then. There were some 20 SCIC’s in Edmonton those days, and they came to our meetings. We chose a companion Sister (for me it was Sr. Aline Roulston) who “walked” with us as we learned more about the Sisters and the work in which they were involved. But most of all, I appreciated their prayer celebrations. So different, so beautiful, simple yet enriching. This truly was the highlight for me. I was IN and have been from the beginning.
It was a privilege to be invited to attend and participate in several Chapter gatherings, and more of those beautiful liturgies! And yes, to swim in the Kennebecasis River. We are now a much older group and meet only annually at Agathe’s in the Summer; however, we do continue to keep in touch by e-mail and telephone.
This Autumn, I was able to be at St Vincent for the Jubilee celebrations, and for the 170th Anniversary, attending the Mass and assisting with the sandwich event downtown at the Basilica. I visited the many Sisters I know at Ruth Ross. It was heartwarming to be back. To end the celebration by gathering with Saint John Associates was wonderful. We are all so appreciative to belong to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception Association.
Celebrating Honoria Conway, Foundress SCIC
June 18, 1815 – May 27, 1892
On June 9, 2025, the Associates hosted a celebration with the Sisters in honour of Honoria Conway, SCIC Foundress, to mark the anniversary of her birth. This event included cake and treats for all and was well attended by both Sisters and Associates. It was held early in the month, as many would be away on her actual birthday, June 18. This celebration began with a prayer read by Dorothy Arsenault, Inquirer, written by Sharon Jacquard and a prayer read by Darlene Dignard, also written by Sharon for the delegates who were attending the Synod meetings that were being held in Waterloo, Ontario also being held in June. Below is the prayer honouring Honoria Conway:
Loving God,
On this special day, we remember with gratitude Honoria Conway (Mother Mary Vincent), a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love for those most in need.
We give thanks for her generous spirit, her wise leadership, and her courageous heart that answered your call to serve the poor, the sick, and the abandoned. In a time marked by suffering and loss, she became a beacon of hope - especially to the children left orphaned by the plague. Through her care and presence, they discovered dignity, healing, and the light of your love.
May her legacy of service, charity, compassion, and courageous strength continue to inspire us. Help us, like her, to see Christ in every person, especially in those who are forgotten or cast aside.
May we honor her memory not only in word, but in action - by living with kindness, mercy, and justice.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. “Laus Deo” - “Praise be to God”
Amen.
TRIBUTE TO POPE FRANCIS
Gratitude for “Ladauto Si” Celebrating 10 Years
We give thanks for the life of Pope Francis, who inspired the world through his deep compassion, and commitment to the poor. With his gentle smile, he reminded us that joy is a sign of faith.
He challenged the Church to go out to the margins, to serve those most in need, and to care for our planet - our common home. His encyclical “Laudato Si” called for ecological and spiritual conversion, urging us to live with simplicity, solidarity, and reverence for all life. Pope Francis taught us that mercy must be at the heart of everything: mercy for one another, mercy for the earth, and mercy from God. Read more...
10th Anniversary of Compassion in Action
Associates of the Sisters of Charity – Serving with Love
This year, May 2025, marked the 10th Anniversary of a humble yet powerful ministry. The Associates of the Sisters of Charity, Sisters, Family, Friends, and Neighbours provide meals to the hungry on the first Sunday of each month. This ministry is witness to the Gospel and a living expression of the Charity of charism in our time.
Rooted in faith, this group has spent the past decade preparing food for those experiencing hunger and poverty. Each plate served has been more than a meal - it has been an offering of dignity, welcome, and hope.
In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Mother Honoria Conway, these efforts continue to reflect the heart of our mission: to see Christ in the poor and to serve with humility, respect, and love and in the words of St. Vincent de Paul - “Do What Must Be Done.”
We give thanks for every hand that has cooked, every heart that has shown up, and every person who has been nourished - not only with food, but with friendship and care. My hope is that this ministry will continue to grow in grace, and may those who serve and are served feel the deep embrace of God's love. Also with special remembrance of the Associates and Sisters who have passed - we cherish their love, legacy and contributions. May this 10th anniversary be filled with gratitude, memory, and renewed purpose. Photo: Rowena Doiron
OASIS – MINISTRY FOR WOMEN SEEKING COMPANIONSHIP
Oasis is a relaxed, drop-in gathering for women, held every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Catapult Training and Employment Centre on Waterloo Street inner city Saint John. It's a peaceful and welcoming space where women can enjoy quality time together over tea, hot chocolate, treats, laughter, and meaningful conversation.
We celebrate birthdays and special occasions with cake and refreshments, and all women are warmly invited to join us.
Our final session before the summer break was a joyful celebration with pizza, soft drinks, and ice cream. Oasis is a place for women seeking connection, companionship, and community.
Oasis was originally founded by Sisters Celene Hurley and Anita Holmes. Over the years, a devoted team of Associate volunteers has helped carry the vision forward, including Bunny Keleher, Mary Lou Reid, Barbara Fennell, and Mary Matheson.
We hold in special honour and heartfelt gratitude the memories of Sister Celene Hurley and Associate Bonnie Casey, both of whom have passed away since Oasis began. Their presence, compassion and dedication continue to inspire us.
Advent & Lenten Reflections Hosted by Associates
A team of Associates and Sisters organized Advent & Lenten Reflections this past year which took place in Carmel Chapel of Ruth Ross Residence. Below is a portion the Lenten Reflection:
Everyone entered the Chapel in Silence and darkness. Mary Ann Kneeland processed into the Chapel carrying a lantern, to light up the darkness.
Music lead by Irene Buechler – Song – “Christ Be Our Light”
Scripture Reading read by: Barb Fennell, Associate
A Reading from: Isaiah
“Thus, says the Holy One: If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday; the Holy One will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land.
God will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.:
This was proclaimed twice, with 10 minute pause in between.
Reflection read by Linda Pye
With ashes barely faded from the ritual of Ash Wednesday we have moved forward into the first week of another Lent. In the reading from Isaiah, the voice of God speaks, calling us not to “what we should give up” but rather “what we should take on”: removing oppression, false accusations, and malicious speech from our midst---greatly needed in our divided cities and nations, by our wounded earth and perhaps in our own lives. We are called to: hear the cry of those who are poor, bestow bread on the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted, rather than “giving up” sweets or TV or whatever personal addiction we like to work on this year.
If we walk with Jesus these 40 days, repent our sins, whether against our neighbour, our earth, ourselves; and commit to these actions, light will rise for and in us---we will have no cause for gloom. We will be given plenty, even in this seemingly parched land---whether parched of water or spirit. We will become the garden, the spring of Christ’s life, which will never fail.
Prayer:
Holy One, draw us closer to you as we walk with Jesus throughout these 40 days.
The following was a hand-out provided to all who were in attendance:
Prayer…
Holy one, draw me ever closer to you as I walk with Jesus throughout these 40 days.
Challenge…
May I be open to repentance and the grace to take whatever action I can to remove oppression and be God’s light wherever I am.
What will I do this Lent to remove oppression and be God’s Light?